Weston Beach race cancelled after pile-up injures 21 riders

A beach-front bike race at Weston-super-Mare, in Somerset, which is considered
one of Britain's most challenging motorcross events, was cancelled after a
massive pile-up left 21 riders injured.

A collision within the main pack as the competitors headed up the main straight, led to ''a chain of events'' that caused the multiple fallsPhoto: PA

8:18PM BST 11 Oct 2009

The Weston Beach Race attracted 30,000 spectators to its twisting three-mile course carved into the sand.

An 85cc youth race went ahead as planned this morning, but the main event of the weekend, the adult solo race, was scrapped after the huge crash less than a mile into the start.

A collision within the main pack as the competitors headed up the main straight, led to ''a chain of events'' that caused the multiple falls.

The race, featuring 800 competitors, was stopped immediately after the incident to allow the medical services safe access to the track, organiser RHL Activities said.

The most seriously injured rider - aged 16 - remained "critically ill" on Sunday evening, a spokeswoman for St John Ambulance said.

Other riders were taken to hospital after the incident and treated for minor wounds.

One rider sustained what RHL describe as ''more serious injuries'' and was taken Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, where he was being assessed.

With most of the medical staff occupied driving the injured riders to hospital, race organisers took the decision to cancel the event due to safety concerns.

Gareth Hockey, Director of RHL Activities Limited, said today: ''It was immediately obvious that the crash was a serious one and that a number of the injured riders would require medical attention on the track.

''As a result there was no hesitation in stopping the race to allow the medical teams safe access to the injured riders.

''Unfortunately, one of the riders involved in the crash sustained more serious injuries.

''At this time we haven't received any additional information as to the extent of these injuries, but he is currently undergoing medical treatment in Bristol and we are obviously hopeful that he will make a full recovery.''

RHL said the cause of the crash was not known and it had never known such a disaster in 27 years of the event.

The race attracts quad and motocross riders from club level ability to world champions, all testing their skills around the gruelling sand course.

The track is filled with dunes, jumps and tight turns leading onto a mile-long straight.

Several races took place over the weekend, and the climax should have been this afternoon's three-hour adult solo race.

Jeremy Hughes, Commissioner Operations at St John Ambulance in Avon said: "We had five ambulances at the scene within minutes. We quickly realised this was a major incident and requested back up from the Great Western Ambulance Service to help cope with the number of casualties.

"One of the motocross riders was in a serious condition and we had three healthcare professionals including a doctor treating him at the scene before taking him to hospital.

"Most of the others who were injured suffered suspected fractures so we made them comfortable and transported those we could to hospital while relatives took others. It was a hectic situation but one that was well handled by all involved."